Stolen JAEA laptops had Fugen data

FUKUI – The Japan Atomic Energy Agency revealed that two desktop computers have been stolen from its office in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture.

The computers contained data on the aging and deterioration of the Fugen advanced thermal converter reactor that is currently being decommissioned in Tsuruga, the agency said Friday.

Agency officials said they reported the theft Monday to local police, the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry and to local governments in Fukui Prefecture. The agency has not filed a report with the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the atomic industry watchdog, saying the information in the stolen computers did not pertain to the management of nuclear materials.

Officials realized that the two laptops, which were last seen March 1 at the Tsuruga office, were missing Monday morning. Local police said there were no signs of damage to the doors and windows of the office.

The Fugen reactor went into operation in Tsuruga in March 1978 and was shut down in March 2003. The agency also operates the Monju prototype fast-breeder reactor in Tsuruga that has been plagued by a series of serious accidents for years, and is currently suspended.